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Home-Based Business Needs: Buy a Laptop or Desktop?

A woman typing on a laptop

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Investing in the right computer technology is a decision that cannot be taken lightly, particularly when your livelihood depends upon it. Here are some important factors to consider when deciding between a laptop and desktop for your home-based office.

Determine your portability needs. If you only use your computer when you are in your home-based office, then a desktop computer is ideal. However, if your business involves meeting with clients, making presentations and accessing information in airports and other locations, a laptop is a must. Laptop portability means that you will never feel limited and can conduct business from numerous locations.

Assess the costs. Desktop computers are generally cheaper than laptops. While it’s possible to find a used laptop that may be close to the price of a new desktop, a brand new laptop will generally cost you more. However, you may be able to write off the cost of the laptop as a business expense, so choose the type of technology that will help your business to prosper.

Consider the ergonomic aspects. Laptops are so popular these days that people don’t often consider the ergonomic superiority of desktops. A desktop sits in a stable position on your desk and doesn’t move. This means that you can adjust your position to have the right hand position for the mouse and a straight back to minimize back pain. Laptops can be moved to numerous locations leading to many sitting positions and possible wrist injuries.

Buy both a desktop and a laptop. The solution for many small business owners is to buy both a desktop and a laptop. This way you benefit from the portability of a laptop when needed, as well as the ergonomic benefits of a desktop computer.

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Using Laptops ? Getting The Position Right Is Very Important

HANOVER, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 28: A Vodafone LT...

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It is only when people switch over from a desktop computer to a laptop do they realize how convenient the desktop computer is. The computer remains stable and one can adjust the seat in any manner one wants to enjoy a comfortable experience.

On the other hand, the fact that the laptop can be moved around means that finding the right position can become a very difficult task. How many times have you moved all over the house trying to find the most comfortable position for your laptop? Trying to copy the positions that you see in laptop advertisements never seem to help.

You realize that these positions are designed primarily to maximize the visibility of the laptop device. Trying to sit on the stairs and having the laptop adjacent to you will leave you with a strained back and arms in a very short period of time.

Another factor that affects the usage of laptop is the frequent change in the workplace. If you had a single table where you regularly use your laptop, you can easily adjust to the right position without any difficulty. However, many individuals make the mistake of purposefully shifting the position without any regard for stability.

The end result is that the individual never feels comfortable when using the device. This is particularly true when you are working on spreadsheets or word processing software applications. Using a laptop to watch a movie or listen to songs is not a difficult task because it does not require any activity on the laptop curser.

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Computers, Internet, Technology Tagged With: , ,

How To Travel Safely Overseas With a Laptop

Traveling with technology can be a tricky venture, especially if it’s an overseas vacation. It’s common for most people to bring the two necessities: a laptop and camera. It’s best to leave the laptop at home since there is so much to think of if one decides to bring it along.  If one does carry it with them, the first step to take is buy an adapter and a power surge protector. This is true for both the computer and a cell phone, especially in Europe. The frequency used in America is completely different and pluggin a computer in to the outlet without the adapter can crash the system and blow the power out at the same time. Also, it will be hard for a laptop made in the United States to pick up the signal to connect from a European dial up tone.

The next step is getting it safely through the airport and security. People who can afford it buy the much smaller “netbooks” or Ipads for travel purposes. The mini-laptops are very lightweight and easy to tote around without needing a noticeable computer bag to carry it. Computers are like children when it comes to traveling in airports- if you turn your back on them for a moment, they could be gone by the time you look again.

Finally, choose a proper bag for the laptop. While a standard laptop briefcase may suffice for normal life, it’s best to get a backpack style laptop carrier with a sufficient amount of extra pockets that can hold other electronics like a camera. Possible theft is lowered once the computer is in an inconspicuous backpack.

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Choosing a Laptop

Sony VAIO P

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There are many laptops to choose from- PC’s, Macbooks, Linux-based netbooks- and it can get overwhelming. Instead of comparing the different models it’s easy to be tempted to just buy something and get it over with.

However, choosing a laptop is not a choice that should be made lightly. Users should consider the features, how they intend to use the laptop, and the price before making a decision.

For example, a 16” screen may seem cool, but if you are a college student, do you really want to lug that big laptop around campus? Likewise, a 10” netbook may seem appealing due to the size and the cost, but if you are in graphic design you have an easier time completing your work on a larger screen.

The cost of a laptop should also be considered. If you come across a really cheap laptop you may be tempted to scoop it up but before you do- look at the features. Cheap laptops may have a low storage capacity and poor graphics. And if you plan on watching movies and saving picture files that cheap laptop might be useless to you.

On the other hand, if you just need a laptop to send a few emails and save a few documents, then you don’t have to go all out and buy the priciest model; a basic laptop will suffice.

When choosing a laptop it’s important to look at the big picture and not focus in too much on one aspect. Evaluate what your needs are first, and then go from there.

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